Surprisingly, my flight went with zero hitches what so ever. Immigration was quicker than anticipated and arriving at my hotel in San Diego's Little Italy was as smooth as butter. Until I went to bed and my body clock decided to be jet lagged. But that subsided within my time spent at the hotel. Which, was pleasantly decent, which is more than can be said for Little Italy itself. If you just want somewhere to go eat, it's perfect. When you're alone, know absolutely no one or what to do, it's not that great a place. BUT, I did get my very first experience of frozen yogurt whilst waiting for the other Keelites to arrive.
Getting to SDSU was as equally smooth, just a bit of a ball-ache with my 4 bags, but I did it (with the help of Matthew) and arrived at my new "pad" at VA, number 25D.
So then I knew it was too good to be true. It could NOT be that easy. Upon arrival I noticed the fridge/freezer were warm inside and obviously not working, nor was there a 'cool' setting on the thermostat, so after a couple hours of heaving 4 suitcases to our apartment, the concept of no AC wasn't a welcome one. Naturally I went and checked out everyone elses living quarters and various housemates. I came back late at night to the realise the shower also didn't work. Luckily, our apartment fairy fixed all three things within around 2 days.
To say my week was busy is an understatement. After various welcome lectures and many trips to target, dinners out with the Brits and a couple evenings attempting and failing to party hunt on campus, my feet were the most hated part of myself and I have a feeling it was mutual! I've experienced the delights of one of the most famous zoos in the world and I have also taken a little tour of one of the most expensive areas in CA. (Second to Beverly Hills obv.) I've attended a pep rally, my offical induction to the school so I am now an offical Aztec student (after reciting the declaration infront of a million people. By recite, I obviously mean mumble 2 words and mouth the rest) I've also just returned from my very first American class and loved it.
Now I've been here a week, the one thing that sticks out to me most of all so far is... EVERY SINGLE stereotype you've EVER heard about california... is TRUE. The Greek system is full of jerks and bitches. If you're not pretty and stick thin, you're not invited to join teams (in this case it was dance but whatever, the principle is the same.) Everyone is clad in either shorts & t-shirts, or the SDSU clothing found in the campus shop. You are absolutely 100% expected to go "cray-cray" and join in with the school "fight song" (really it's just a chant that makes you want to die a thousand torturous deaths. For us Brits anyway!) along with joining in games at mixers and pep rallys. And you're expected to do all of this STONE. COLD. SOBER. yeah.
So far, the focus of everyone has been to either hook up, hook people up, or party. Not one jot about studying. Not even from most of the academic staff. So it's easy to see why SDSU has been given it's reputation for parties rather than good academic standing, but apparently the academic side is growing. We'll see. Needless to say, I didn't want to believe life here would be so stereotypical, but it was certainly a culture shock. I wouldn't mind so much if the people were friendly. Spending 4 months walking on campus to only get glares and attitude filled responses wasn't my idea of fun for this experience, but I've never been one to let dogs lie when it comes to attitude and unnecessary bigotry.
The internationals all seem lovely enough regardless of the americans. Obviously not EVERY american is as dimwitted and self centred but I know who I'm making friends with. I already feel like I've been here a month, but life is bound to pick up again now. It has been boiling every day, until about 8pm when the sun sets and all heat vanishes. Not such a silly idea to have packed my jeans and hoodie now is it? No.
For now,
A slow start for Carrskid,
Rowling's Apprentice.
